Links to Websites run by 89ers

The website containing the Roll of Honour is run by Simon Coy. It is to commemorate and honour those Commonwealth servicemen killed in the Korean war. Amazingly those who gave their lives in Korea are not listed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, nor are their graves looked after by that excellent organisation since their remit ended with World War II.

Simon's website is the only way that loved ones, relatives and old comrades can trace the last resting places of the deceased.

"The reason why the CWGC does not look after the Korean War Graves is simple: The CWGC responsibility ends with WWII. The Commonwealth could not agree that wars after that were "common purpose" between all members of the Commonwealth and would not pay for the upkeep of the cemeteries.. In fact the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is run by a special United Nations Command (UNC) independent commission. I quote "Commission for the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, which consists of 11 member nations whose fallen are interred here, has been managing it since February 1974. Custodian, the chief manager of UNMCK, is appointed by the Commission." Half the costs are met by Korea, the other half pro rata to those nations who have graves there. Seems to work OK, but of course the names do not come up in a CWGC search. All the details (including excellent examples of "Konglish") are at http://unmck.or.kr/eng/park/intro/park_in_object.htm . My gripe is that for all post war conflicts except the Korean War the memorial in the Crypt of St Paul's lists the names of those killed. Having written that, I think some of the conflicts (Cyprus, Malaya) may be under represented. But its true for full blown wars!

The difference between the UNC and the UN would take another reunion to explain. It has a CWGC look to it because the CWGC got the "contract" to set it up. All the headstones are cast in Australia"

Editor's Note - Having visited the cemetery I would recommend a visit to anyone visiting the Busan area - It is beautifully kept with an excellent chapel and visitor's centre. The children of South Korea are taken their on school visits and are taught to appreciate the sacrifices made by our young men. Britain has by far the largest number of casualties buried and commemorated here, for although the USA played by far the largest part in this war all their casualties were taken back to the USA for burial. Britain lost 1,106 servicemen killed in action of which 886 are buried in Busan.